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System configuration for CPU, GPU, memory, SSD, backup, RAID, optimizing performance, workflow.
For YOUR optimal workflow
Avoid costly mistakes in throwing money at the problem for less performance and/or buying the wrong machine for your own needs!
About RAID
Related: backup, RAID, RAID-0, RAID-1, RAID-4, RAID-5, storage
RAID can be implemented in hardware or software.
Most computer users do not use RAID at all, using instead independent hard drive or SSD storage. That approach is least expensive and fine for most uses.
RAID is not for backup
The fault tolerant aspect of some types or RAID should not be confused with a proper backup strategy.
It’s not that RAID (e.g., a mirror) is a bad idea for backup, rather, it is generally a waste of money and a reduction in redundancy: it is always better to have multiple independent redundant backups than one RAID backup.
For example, two independent backup drives of 4TB each are better than one RAID-1 mirror single unit. In the dual case, failure of one unit leaves the other intact and they can be stored separately, further reducing risk; in the single-unit RAID-1 case, loss of the unit means all is lost (consider theft, fire, flood, etc).
At much lower cost than Apple, with more options.
Lloyd recommends 64GB for iMac or Mac Pro for photography/videography.
Why use RAID?
For professionals, higher performance and/or fault tolerance might be helpful or even essential, and that is where RAID comes into the picture.
| RAID-5 | RAID 1+0 | RAID-0 stripe | RAID-1 mirror | RAID SPAN | JBOD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # Drives | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4, concatenated | 4 independent non-RAID |
| Capacity: | 12TB | 8TB | 16TB | 4TB | 16TB | 16TB |
| Fault tolerance: | single failure OK | single failure OK from each mirror |
single failure kill volume | three failures OK | single failure kills volume | independent |
| Read Speed | ~3X | 2X | 4X | 1X | 1X, variable | 1X |
| Write Speed | 2.2X - 3X | 2X | 4X | 1X | 1X, variable | 1X |
Relative performance of RAID- vs RAID-5
See RAID-5 vs RAID-0 performance.
Up to 65% better pricing than Apple
Lloyd recommends 32GB RDIMMS for most users.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera with Canon Log and Accessory Kit
SAVE $1100
